Danish Mesolithic Period Juvenile Aurochs Horn

Maglemosian Culture, c. 9000–5000 BC, Zealand, Denmark

A stunning and rare find, this partial skull fragment and juvenile aurochs (Bos primigenius) horn comes from the rich peat bogs of Denmark. Dating to the Mesolithic Maglemosian culture, this piece offers a direct connection to one of Northern Europe’s earliest postglacial hunting communities.

The Maglemosian peoples were expert hunters, fishers, and foragers who thrived in forested and wetland environments. Aurochs, the wild ancestors of domestic cattle, were among the most prized game—hunted not only for meat but also for bone, horn, and hide, used to make tools, weapons, and adornments.

This remarkable horn, beautifully preserved, speaks to the skill and resourcefulness of these early peoples and makes for a powerful prehistoric display piece with exceptional provenance.

Good condition. Age-related wear, chip and fractures. Traces of peat bog. Lovely deep dark brown patina. Fragment is treated with a surface-protecting beeswax layer. Size approx. 26,0cm x 6,8cm x 4,5cm.

Provenance: Danish private collection.

References and further reading:

Prehistoric period (until 1050 AD)/ The Mesolithic period, Nationalmuseet i København (https://en.natmus.dk/historical-knowledge/denmark/prehistoric-period-until-1050-ad/the-mesolithic-period/)

Early Maglemosian culture in the Preboreal landscape: Archaeology and vegetation from the earliest Mesolithic site in Denmark at Lundby Mose, Sjælland, Catherine A. Jessen, Kristoffer Buck Pedersen, Charlie Christensen, Jesper Olsen, Morten Fischer Mortensen & Keld Møller Hansen, Quaternary International. 378, 2015, pp. 73–87. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quaint.2014.03.056)

Med bue, pil og fiskespyd, Danmarks Oldtid, Jørgen Jensen, Gyldendals Open Encyclopedia (https://danmarksoldtid.lex.dk/Med_bue,_pil_og_fiskespyd)